Entertainment

Between July 11th and August 7th, we are asking you to take a second (today or once a day) and vote for the favorites in your community. All you had to do is choose your community, write in your nominations and submit. Yep, that easy. You’ll vote for these categories: Eat, Drink and Be Merry, It’s All About the Art and Entertainment, Shop ‘Til You Drop, Look and Feel Your Best, It Is Your Business and Pet Projects plus we might ask a little about you.

Don’t worry, we won’t spam you. Your votes are all confidential unless you check that little opt-in box and then you may receive some awesome emails from us after this promotion ends.

Next time you order that venti, half-skinny, half-1 percent, extra-hot cappuccino (with whip), perhaps the least complicated part will be how you pay.

Starting today, Seattle-based Starbucks has launched mobile payment in all of its company-operated stores in the United States. The technology allows customers to pay for their in-store purchases using a smartphone.

Currently, 20 percent of all Starbucks purchases are paid for using a mobile device, according to the company. The way it works: customers download the Starbucks Card Mobile App and register a Starbucks card (like a gift card). Customers then pay for their mochas (or lattes, or Americanos) by placing a cell phone or wireless device in front of a scanner on the counter, and scan their App's barcode to pay.

Mobile payment "elevates the customer experience by delivering convenience, rewarding loyalty and continuing to build an emotional connection with our customers," said Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Brand Loyalty, in a statement.

Submitted by Deborah Robinson, Deborah's Op-Ed on the Media, Politics, Religion & Life

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010, 11:51am

I’m on a quest to get to know my new city. I want to know ‘who’ this city is outside of its reputation. So, I’m getting out around town to places, events, meetings, activities and anywhere I’m invited to meet the people of Bellevue.

Last night, I attended a networking event for women business owners. It’s a monthly gathering called Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) founded by Deborah Jones with Isagenix, International. We were allowed to bring our business promotional items to set up and we were each given 3 minutes to share our businesses with those who attended.

We met at Pearl Bar & Dining Restaurant in Lincoln Square. Great atmosphere, great food and great conversation. I loved it! This AWE meeting wasn’t all about business. The dinner table allowed us to converse in small groups to talk about any and everything women talk about when we get together… including men!